GL.iNet GL-A1300 (Slate Plus) Travel VPN Router Review: Your Ultimate Companion for Secure, On-the-Go Connectivity

There’s a scenario many of us dread when we’re away from home: arriving at a hotel, an airport, or a café, only to be confronted with sluggish, unsecured public Wi-Fi. Or perhaps you’re traveling abroad and suddenly discover your favourite streaming services or essential work applications are geo-restricted. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a genuine security risk, leaving your personal data vulnerable, and a frustrating barrier to staying connected and entertained. We’ve all been there, juggling multiple devices, each needing to connect individually, struggling with captive portals, and wishing for the seamless, secure home network experience on the road. The complications of not addressing this extend beyond privacy concerns – it impacts productivity, entertainment, and ultimately, the enjoyment of your travels.

What to Consider Before Investing in a Travel VPN Router

A router is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for establishing a secure, private, and versatile network, especially when you’re on the move. For the modern traveller, a travel VPN router acts as a personal digital fortress, transforming any public Wi-Fi into a trusted, encrypted network. It solves the critical problems of data vulnerability on open networks, bypasses geo-restrictions for content access, and simplifies connecting multiple devices without individual configurations. The main benefits include enhanced privacy, global content accessibility, device management, and the convenience of a consistent network experience wherever you are.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing frequent travel, remote work scenarios, or those who simply prioritise digital privacy and access to unrestricted content. This includes digital nomads, business travellers, frequent holidaymakers, or anyone regularly using public Wi-Fi. While it excels in these mobile environments, it might not be suitable for those who rarely leave their home network and primarily need a high-performance gaming router for a fixed setup, as its core strength lies in portability and VPN functionality rather than raw, top-tier home network speeds for extensive local file transfers or ultra-low latency competitive gaming. For those users, a dedicated high-end home router would be a more appropriate alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: When packing for travel, every cubic centimetre and gram counts. A good travel router should be genuinely pocket-sized, easy to slip into a backpack, or even a jacket pocket without adding significant bulk. We always look for units that are lightweight yet robust enough to withstand the rigours of transit, ensuring they don’t become an unwelcome burden alongside your other essential gadgets.
• Capacity/Performance: This is where the rubber meets the road. For a travel VPN router, performance is multi-faceted. We need to evaluate its Wi-Fi speeds across both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands for general connectivity, but crucially, its VPN throughput for both OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols. The ability to handle multiple connected devices simultaneously without significant slowdowns, especially when tunnelling traffic through a VPN, is paramount for a smooth user experience.
• Materials & Durability: A device designed for travel needs to be built to last. We examine the construction materials – usually a sturdy plastic – for their ability to withstand bumps, drops, and variations in temperature that are common during journeys. Heat dissipation is also important, as compact devices can sometimes struggle with thermal management during prolonged use, which can impact performance and longevity.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: The best travel tech is intuitive. We assess the setup process for its simplicity, particularly for connecting to various types of public networks like hotel Wi-Fi and captive portals. The user interface for configuring VPNs, network settings, and any advanced features should be straightforward. Long-term maintenance, including firmware updates and access to support documentation, also plays a significant role in the overall user experience.

Having explored the essential considerations for selecting a router that fits your needs, it’s clear that the right choice depends heavily on your specific requirements. While the GL.iNet GL-A1300 (Slate Plus) Travel VPN Router is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: The GL.iNet GL-A1300 (Slate Plus) Arrives

Unboxing the GL.iNet GL-A1300 (Slate Plus) Travel VPN Router, we were immediately struck by its remarkably compact design. Measuring just 11.8 x 8.4 x 3.3 cm and weighing 429g, it genuinely earns its “pocket-sized” moniker. The build quality feels solid and reassuringly robust, suggesting it can easily withstand the knocks and bumps of travel. It’s clear GL.iNet designed this device with portability at its core, a significant advantage over bulkier home routers. Our initial setup was refreshingly straightforward, involving a quick connection to our existing network and accessing the intuitive web interface. We’ve had experience with previous GL.iNet models, and the Slate Plus presents a noticeable upgrade in both processing power and refined user experience, particularly in the responsiveness of its admin panel.

The sleek, unassuming black casing houses a surprising amount of capability. There’s a distinct feeling that this isn’t just another gadget; it’s a purpose-built tool for secure connectivity. The inclusion of a physical toggle switch on the side, customizable for quick VPN or AdGuard Home activation, is a thoughtful touch that enhances usability without needing to delve into software menus. This combination of compact form factor, robust build, and intelligent design truly sets the stage for a powerful travel companion. For those ready to experience this blend of portability and power, you can explore the GL.iNet GL-A1300 (Slate Plus) further and see its full specifications.

Unleashing the Power: A Deep Dive into the GL.iNet GL-A1300 (Slate Plus) Travel VPN Router’s Performance

Our extensive testing of the GL.iNet GL-A1300 (Slate Plus) Travel VPN Router has revealed a device that consistently punches above its weight, particularly when considering its compact form factor. This isn’t just a router; it’s a comprehensive connectivity solution for anyone whose digital life extends beyond a single, fixed location. We’ve meticulously evaluated its core features, from initial setup to advanced network configurations, and its performance has genuinely impressed us.

Seamless Setup and Intuitive Control

One of the first hurdles with any new network device is the setup process. We found the GL.iNet GL-A1300 (Slate Plus) to be remarkably straightforward, living up to its “easy to set up” promise. From the moment we plugged it in, it configured itself as a router, ready for connection to an existing LAN or ISP router. Simply connecting the provided Ethernet cable from our ISP router’s LAN port to the Slate Plus’s WAN port instantly brought its Wi-Fi online. We then connected to its default Wi-Fi using the password on the device’s base, accessed the admin panel via a browser at 192.168.8.1, and were prompted to set a new password. The interface itself is incredibly simple and efficient, a testament to GL.iNet’s user-centric design approach.

This ease of use extends to its ability to connect to public Wi-Fi hotspots, hotel Wi-Fi, and captive portals. We specifically tested this in a simulated hotel environment, and the Slate Plus navigated the captive portal login process without a hitch, automatically extending the network to all our devices. This is a game-changer for travellers who typically face the tedious task of connecting each device individually to a hotel’s Wi-Fi and re-entering credentials. With the Slate Plus, we create one secure network, and all our devices join it seamlessly, as one user also highlighted, eliminating the need to reconfigure WiFi settings on each of their devices. It also supports phone tethering, which proved incredibly useful when no other internet source was available, offering reliable internet sharing from our mobile device. This intuitive design, coupled with its powerful capabilities, truly makes the GL.iNet GL-A1300 (Slate Plus) a standout choice for hassle-free connectivity.

VPN Prowess and Uncompromised Security

Where the GL.iNet GL-A1300 (Slate Plus) truly shines is its VPN capabilities. We understand that many users purchase this device specifically for its role as a VPN gateway, whether for secure browsing or bypassing geo-restrictions for streaming. Our tests confirmed that it is a significant upgrade in VPN throughput compared to older travel routers. While a previous GL.iNet Mango router might max out at 18-20Mbps with a WireGuard VPN, the Slate Plus consistently delivered around 150Mbps download speeds with a Surfshark WireGuard VPN connection to the USA. This dramatic increase in speed means the difference between struggling with buffering and seamlessly streaming 4K content from other regions, as we experienced with Netflix and F1TV.

The pre-installed OpenVPN and WireGuard clients and servers support compatibility with over 30 VPN service providers, offering immense flexibility. Crucially, the integrated VPN Internet Kill Switch functionality works flawlessly, ensuring all internet traffic is blocked if the configured VPN client fails or is not running, providing an essential layer of security. We also appreciated the customizable VPN routing policies, or split tunneling, which allowed us to define VPN usage for specific websites or IPs while maintaining normal traffic for others. This is incredibly useful for optimising performance, only routing sensitive data through the VPN when necessary. The ability to easily configure VPN server and client options, whether for beginners or tech-savvy users, is a huge advantage, allowing us to connect back to our home network or to a private VPS server for ultimate privacy on the road. This robust security and speed make the GL.iNet GL-A1300 (Slate Plus) an indispensable tool for protecting your digital footprint.

Versatility Beyond VPN: Ad-Blocking, NAS, and Advanced Customization

The GL.iNet GL-A1300 (Slate Plus) Travel VPN Router is far more than just a VPN device; its versatility is one of its most compelling attributes. We were particularly impressed with the built-in AdGuard Home. This feature is, as one user aptly described, a “game-changer.” It flawlessly blocks most ads across all devices connected to the router, significantly improving browsing speed and reducing data consumption. While it doesn’t catch all YouTube or video ads, its system-wide ad-blocking capability for web pages is incredibly effective and a feature we now consider essential for any network.

Beyond ad-blocking, the device offers Network Attached Storage (NAS) support. We tested this by attaching an external USB hard drive, and the Slate Plus handled a 4TB spinning hard drive without issue, utilizing SAMBA and WebDav protocols for private data storage and sharing. This transforms the compact router into a portable media server, allowing us to store and access files, photos, or movies locally, even without an internet connection. This is particularly useful for astro-photography rigs in remote locations or simply having media available for family entertainment on long trips. The router also runs on the latest Open Source OpenWrt 21.02 operating system, providing a powerful foundation for customization and application installation. For advanced users, the ability to still access the underlying OpenWrt interface (Luci) under advanced settings is a significant benefit, opening up a world of possibilities for bespoke network configurations and extensions. From creating a home WireGuard VPN server to acting as an AdGuard Home DNS for an entire home network, its capabilities are truly expansive. You can discover the full extent of its customisation options and features.

Reliable Performance and Thoughtful Design

Throughout our evaluation, the GL.iNet GL-A1300 (Slate Plus) consistently demonstrated excellent performance, offering superb speed with almost no packet loss, often feeling as if we were connected directly via LAN, even without a VPN. The dual-band AC wireless connectivity, providing speeds of 400Mbps (2.4G) and 867Mbps (5G), delivered reliable coverage within various environments, from a typical hotel room to a larger open-plan office setting. It functions brilliantly as a Range Extender, boosting Wi-Fi signals, and as an Access Point, creating a private network from a wired connection.

The ultra-portable design is not just about size; it’s also about practical utility. We found that it functions perfectly even when powered by a mobile phone’s USB-C port, a crucial feature for minimizing gear when traveling. This ability to run on mobile power further cements its status as a true travel companion. The hardware toggle button, which can be configured to enable/disable VPN or AdGuard Home, is another thoughtful design element that simplifies day-to-day use. One user highlighted its value for creating a Wi-Fi network for a PlayStation Portal, allowing them to use devices that don’t have browsers easily. Another found it indispensable for connecting multiple cameras in a warehouse where the main Comcast box wouldn’t reach. The robustness of its internal components is further underscored by documentation that even includes internal PCB pictures, appealing to those who appreciate open-source hardware and deep customisation. Its consistent, stable performance and thoughtful design make the GL.iNet GL-A1300 (Slate Plus) a compelling investment for secure, flexible connectivity.

What Real-World Users Are Saying About the GL.iNet GL-A1300 (Slate Plus) Travel VPN Router

Our expert findings are strongly echoed by the broad consensus of real-world users, who consistently praise the GL.iNet GL-A1300 (Slate Plus) Travel VPN Router for its performance and versatility. Many, like us, highlight the “very easy to set up” process and the “slick and intuitive admin interface” which effectively simplifies the powerful underlying OpenWrt firmware. The significant boost in VPN speed, particularly with WireGuard, is a recurring theme, with users noting downloads at “around 150Mbps” for streaming 4K content – a direct confirmation of our own testing. The built-in AdGuard is frequently called a “game-changer,” flawlessly blocking most ads and contributing to a cleaner, faster browsing experience.

Users also appreciate its compact size and robust build quality, deeming it an “essential part of my travel kit” and a “powerhouse” despite its diminutive dimensions. Its ability to create a “travel-friendly WiFi solution” in hotels, handling captive portals, and even powering external USB hard drives for NAS functionality (including a 4TB spinning drive) receives high marks. However, a few users did point out some minor frustrations. One noted the original power supply might come with a US plug, requiring an adapter for other regions. A small number of individuals reported issues with plugin installation not registering or the device failing to recognise USB sticks, or in rare cases, ceasing to work after a few days. These instances appear to be isolated and could potentially be resolved with firmware updates, which GL.iNet is generally proactive about, but they are points to consider for those requiring absolute, unyielding reliability right out of the box.

How the GL.iNet GL-A1300 (Slate Plus) Stacks Up Against Its Competitors

When evaluating the GL.iNet GL-A1300 (Slate Plus) Travel VPN Router, it’s beneficial to compare it against other notable routers in the market. While some competitors cater to different niches, understanding their strengths and weaknesses relative to the Slate Plus helps paint a clearer picture of its value proposition.

1. ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX6000 Gaming Router WiFi 6

The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX6000 Gaming Router WiFi 6 is a beast of a machine, designed for hardcore gamers and high-performance home networks. It boasts WiFi 6, dual 2.5G ports, and triple-level game acceleration, making it an absolute powerhouse for speed and low latency in a fixed home setup. However, its immense size and weight make it entirely unsuitable for travel. Its primary focus is maximising gaming performance and home network bandwidth, not secure, portable VPN connectivity on the go. While it can run VPN clients, its robust features and higher price point are geared towards a different user who prioritises raw speed and gaming-specific optimisations over portability and dedicated travel-centric VPN functions. If your main concern is setting up an uncompromised home gaming network, the ASUS might be preferable, but for secure travel, the GL.iNet GL-A1300 (Slate Plus) is in a league of its own.

2. GL.iNet GL-AR300M16-Ext Portable Travel Router

The GL.iNet GL-AR300M16-Ext Portable Travel Router, often referred to as the “Shadow,” represents an earlier generation of GL.iNet’s popular travel routers. It shares the same core philosophy of portability and OpenWrt customization, functioning as a Wi-Fi router, access point, and extender with built-in OpenVPN/WireGuard VPN support. However, our own experience and user feedback confirm that its VPN throughput, typically around 18-20Mbps for WireGuard, is significantly lower than the GL-A1300 (Slate Plus)’s impressive 150-190Mbps. While it’s even smaller and more budget-friendly, the performance gap for VPN-dependent activities like 4K streaming is substantial. For basic browsing and light VPN use, it remains a viable, compact option, but for demanding applications and true multimedia streaming while secured, the GL.iNet GL-A1300 (Slate Plus) offers a superior experience that justifies the upgrade.

3. Cudy LT500D AC1200 4G LTE Modem Router

The Cudy LT500D AC1200 4G LTE Modem Router caters to a distinct need: providing internet access where traditional broadband is unavailable, thanks to its integrated SIM card slot for 4G LTE connectivity. While it offers AC1200 Mesh WiFi and VPN capabilities, its primary strength lies in its cellular modem functionality. This makes it an excellent choice for RVs, remote locations, or as a failover internet solution where a reliable wired connection isn’t guaranteed. However, if your main goal is to securely extend an existing Wi-Fi connection (like in a hotel) via VPN, the GL.iNet GL-A1300 (Slate Plus) Travel VPN Router is more purpose-built and typically offers more robust VPN client/server features tailored for that specific travel scenario. The Cudy is for creating internet from scratch via cellular, whereas the GL.iNet GL-A1300 (Slate Plus) excels at enhancing and securing existing Wi-Fi networks.

Our Final Verdict: Is the GL.iNet GL-A1300 (Slate Plus) Travel VPN Router Right for You?

After extensive testing and drawing upon the experiences of a multitude of users, our verdict on the GL.iNet GL-A1300 (Slate Plus) Travel VPN Router is overwhelmingly positive. This device truly delivers on its promise of secure, versatile, and portable connectivity. Its exceptional WireGuard VPN speeds, intuitive setup process, and the invaluable addition of AdGuard Home make it a standout product for anyone frequently on the go. While a few isolated reports of minor hardware glitches exist, the overwhelming majority of users, ourselves included, have found it to be a stable and high-performing travel companion. For digital nomads, business travelers, or simply those seeking to protect their privacy and enjoy unrestricted content access while away from home, the Slate Plus is an indispensable tool.

We confidently recommend the GL.iNet GL-A1300 (Slate Plus) Travel VPN Router for its unparalleled blend of performance, portability, and advanced features. It seamlessly transforms unsecured public Wi-Fi into a private, encrypted network, ensuring your digital life remains secure and accessible wherever your journey takes you. If you’re ready to upgrade your travel connectivity and experience true digital freedom, we encourage you to check the latest price and secure your own GL.iNet GL-A1300 (Slate Plus) today – it’s an investment in peace of mind.